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Blackwaters River Lodge

Photo gallery for Blackwaters River Lodge

Property amenity
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Luxury Suite | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, minibar, in-room safe
Reception
Luxury Suite | Bathroom shower

Overview of Blackwaters River Lodge

Blackwaters River Lodge

4.0 star property
8.6 out of 10 Excellent
8.6/10 Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Business services
Map
N2 Highway between Knysna and Sedgefield, opposite the Buffalo Bay turn-off, Knysna, Western Cape, 6570

Explore the area

  • Popular LocationGoukamma Nature and Marine Reserve3 min walk
  • Popular LocationDrupkelders Hiking Trail8 min drive
  • Popular LocationBuffalo Bay Beach18 min drive
  • AirportPlettenberg Bay (PBZ)43 min drive

Room options

About this area

Knysna

Located in Knysna, Blackwaters River Lodge is on a river. Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve and Liquid Grace Adventures are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Knysna Waterfront and Wild Oats Community Farmers Market. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including whale-watching.

What's nearby

  • Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve - 3 min walk
  • Drupkelders Hiking Trail - 8 min drive
  • Outeniqua Transport Museum - 11 min drive
  • Brenton Beach - 16 min drive
  • Buffalo Bay Beach - 18 min drive

Getting around

  • Plettenberg Bay (PBZ) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • Seattle Coffee Company - 11 min drive
  • The Drydock Food Co - 13 min drive
  • Lunar Cafe - 11 min drive
  • Cruise Cafe - 11 min drive
  • Falcon Creek Spur - 11 min drive

About this property

Blackwaters River Lodge

4-star guesthouse by the river
Take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, 9 holes of golf, and a roundtrip airport shuttle at Blackwaters River Lodge. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Earth and Fire, the onsite restaurant. Enjoy onsite activities like volleyball, hiking/biking, and rowing/canoeing. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a terrace and a garden.
Other perks at this guesthouse include:
  • An outdoor pool with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Bike rentals, an area shuttle, and concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance, smoke-free premises, and wedding services
  • Guest reviews say good things about the helpful staff
Room features
All 18 individually furnished rooms offer comforts such as premium bedding and furnished balconies, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and safes.
Other amenities include:
  • Select Comfort beds and rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
  • 20 bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and free toiletries
  • Refrigerators, electric kettles, and heating

Languages

Afrikaans, English

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures

Disinfectant is used to clean the property
High-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected
Sheets and towels are washed at 60°C/140°F or hotter
Follows industry cleaning and disinfection practices of CovidClean (Safehotels - global expert)

Social distancing

Protective shields in place at main contact areas
Social distancing measures in place

Safety measures

Personal protective equipment worn by staff
Temperature checks given to staff
Temperature checks available for guests
Hand sanitizer provided
This information is provided by our partners.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Earth and Fire

Things to do

  • 9 holes of golf
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Rowing/canoeing
  • Scooter/moped rentals
  • Volleyball

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • On a river
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Select Comfort mattress

Bathroom

  • 20 bathrooms
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Towels

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator
  • Room service

Outdoor space

  • Furnished balcony

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Safe

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in from 2 PM - 7 PM
Late check-in fee: ZAR 150.00 for check-in after 7 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: ZAR 750.00

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 350.00 per night
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: ZAR 500 per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 550.00 per person
  • Late check-in fee: ZAR 150.00 for check-in after 7 PM
  • Late check-out fee: ZAR 750.00 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: ZAR 350.00 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Blackwaters River Lodge Knysna
Blackwaters River Lodge
Blackwaters River Knysna
Blackwaters River
Blackwaters River Lodge Knysna
Blackwaters River Lodge Guesthouse
Blackwaters River Lodge Guesthouse Knysna

Frequently asked questions

Does Blackwaters River Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Blackwaters River Lodge?

As of Jun 7, 2023, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Blackwaters River Lodge on Jun 11, 2023 start from $62.65, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Blackwaters River Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Blackwaters River Lodge?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Blackwaters River Lodge?

Check-in is from 2 PM - 7 PM.

What time is check-out at Blackwaters River Lodge?

Check-out is at 10 AM. Late check-out is available for ZAR 750.00 (subject to availability).

Does Blackwaters River Lodge provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of ZAR 550.00 per person applies.

Where is Blackwaters River Lodge located?

Situated in Knysna, this golf guesthouse is within a 5-minute walk of Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve. Garden Route National Park and Knysna Lagoon are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 45 reviews" "
" "10 - Excellent 53%
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 45 reviews" "
" "8 - Good 38%
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 45 reviews" "
" "6 - Okay 2%
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 45 reviews" "
" "4 - Poor 2%
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 45 reviews" "
" "2 - Terrible 4%

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.9/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

8.9/10

Property conditions & facilities

10.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Christopher

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
A couple of things we enjoyed about the property included (i) great breakfast that was included the only morning we were there; and (ii) when we checked in the owner went out of her way to make us feel welcome. The reason for the poor review is due to the fact we were not provided a refund for the final two nights of our stay despite the fact the staff told us we could cancel and that we'd be provided a refund. Our room did not include air conditioning and our stay was over a few days in which temperatures were extremely hot. My wife was pregnant and literally did not sleep the one night we stayed there, and could not tolerate staying another two nights. I asked the front desk if we could cancel our last two nights and receive a refund. The staff said we would, but we'd need to coordinate with Expedia to receive the refund. I've spent the last two months trying to coordinate with Expedia to receive a refund. Each time I reached out, Expedia was not able to actually get an answer from the property. Finally, today, they got an answer from the property after which I was informed I would not receive a refund. The fact that the staff specifically told me I could cancel and receive a refund is one of the reasons we did actually cancel our final two nights. As a result of this experience, I would not recommend staying at this property. We did stay the last two nights at the Views Boutique Hotel & Spa in Wilderness. I would highly recommend this hotel of Blackwaters.

10/10 Excellent

Nhlamulo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

PMD1959, Sheffield

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is in a quiet, beautiful area by the river just outside Knysna on the N2. The staff were superb and nothing was too much trouble. We had a classic room but if we were staying again we would upgrade to a luxury room. This was not available for our dates but for the price, luxury is a vastly better option. The classic rooms are clean and comfortable but have not yet been refurbished. Be aware that the water from the taps is a dark brown colour and might be off-putting to some. Drinking water is provided and is plentiful. The water wasn’t a problem to us. We loved the setting of the property and enjoyed a tasty breakfast admiring the view from the terrace. An enjoyable visit, thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nosithembele

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Glorious Getaway
It was the best place we have ever booked. The view and friendly staff. Gerald, you are amazing. Thank you once again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice little lodge close enough to town
Very nice little lodge about 10 min drive from town. Very accommodating. My room did not have hot water and they were able to move me without hesitation.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

luiz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
top place
staff and rooms fantastic. food out of this world. can not fault and well recommended
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nesreen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely quiet little find
What a wonderful little find. Having been affected by the fires last year this hotel is slowly getting back on their feet. We got upgraded to beautiful suites and the little details that were left in our room made it special and memorable. The front of house staff and the kitchen/breakfast guys are absolutely wonderful and so friendly and it was so nice to hear their stories. A great asset to this establishment. There is currently a water problem in SA and this hotel is trying to be resourceful by using water from the lake that runs through their property, the only downside to this is the water coming through the taps is slightly brown which is a little off putting when washing. We would highly recommend this place based on the comfort and staff though!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely setting and had a great experience
What a lovely experience we had. So picturesque and with staff who could not be more informative and welcoming. We had a great time with great food, room and service.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service
Nice location peaceful retreat
The restaurant was poor. Cooks left to their own devices with little or no training other than being able to put a small pizza together! The owners quite disinterested in following up staffs work to ensure guests get what they pay for! We ordered grilled lamb chops and they were unedible hacked to bits and burned! Over our 4night stay we had cooked breakfast every morning the muesli was old and made me unwell! For South Africa where we have only had delicious food. This was a very poor show!

8/10 Good

BASHIR

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
conveniant andfreindly
very good n freindly